Q: I’ve gotten all my RSVPs and created my seating chart. But, now I have to figure out how to do my seating cards. I’m having a big wedding, about 300 people and the thought of 300 cards just seems crazy. Can I combine multiple names on one seating card? And if so, how do I write it?

So, yes ideally (and usually), you’d have one seating card per person. But, as you said 300 cards is a lot. Especially if you are hand writing them or DIYing them. So, combining names is definitely ok, but only if you are not having a plated meal. If you’re having a buffet or stations or family style meal, you’re all good. But, if you’re doing a plated meal, everyone needs their own card so that it can indicate their meal choice.

If we assume that you aren’t having a plated meal, then having multiple names on one seating card is actually a great idea. It will save you time and also money as well because you won’t need as many cards. All good things! You can even consider this if you are having a smaller wedding too.

Ok, so now let’s talk about how you would do them. The most important thing you need to remember is you can only combine the names of people who are sitting together. So, you need your seating chart handy.

The second important thing to remember is that you will only want to combine names on a seating card that make sense together.

Now, the most logical and easiest way is to put couples together. They will be sitting together and they make sense together. You can also put families together (parents plus kids) as long as they’re all sitting together. Outside of that though, it’s a little odd to combine names.

When it comes to actually writing your seating cards, many couples and families will have the same last name which makes it easy. But, you probably have at least one couple whose last names are not the same. They could be just dating or married. It doesn’t matter what the situation is, but you’ll want to put both their last names on the card.

Now I’m sure your next question is whose name goes first on the card? For most of your guests, you’ll probably end up going traditional and putting the man’s or husband’s name first. But, another option which is especially good for your single friends is putting the name of the person who you are actually closest to. For example, if you are friends with the woman in the couple, then put her name first.

Putting multiple names on your seating cards is a good idea that will save you both time and money. It’s especially helpful when you have a large wedding, but will also work with smaller ones too. Just make sure you take your meal type into account and put people together that make sense.